Genetics of Uterine Leiomyomata

Leiomyomata represent the most common gynecologic tumors in women of reproductive age and are the primary indication for hysterectomy in the United States. Cytogenetic and genetic studies have in recent years advanced our understanding of the etiology of these tumors. Cytogenetic aberrations involving chromosomes 6, 7, 12, and 14 constitute the major chromosomal abnormalities seen in leiomyomata and have led to the discovery that disruptions or dysregulations of HMGIC and HMGIY contribute to the development of these tumors. Based on the finding of a variety of other consistent chromosomal aberrations detected in these tumors, other genes with fundamental roles in the pathobiology of uterine leiomyomata await identification. Genes Chromosomes Cancer 28:235-245, 2000.